Each type ofemulgatorhas a priceequilibriumis not the samemagnitude. Equilibrium priceisknown asHLB(Hydrophyl LipophylBalance)isa number that indicatesthe ratio betweenlipophilicgroupswithhydrophilicgroups.

The HLB value is an indication of the solubility of the surfactant. This surfactant solubility property is an indicator of its likely end use. The lower the HLB value the more lipophilic or oil soluble the surfactant is. The higher the HLB value the more water soluble or hydrophilic the surfactant is

HLB values are calculated for nonionic surfactants only. The HLB value is the molecular weight percent of the water loving portion of the nonionic surfactant - divided by five

as a starting point, select a surfactant system with an HLB value of ~11.2

For the surfactant system, you should use a blend of at least two surfactants, why?

experience has shown the benefit

mixtures of a low HLB and a high HLB surfactant give better coverage at the interface

a blend of two surfactants is typical

The correct HLB value usually translates to superior stability at a lower use level. For example: our unique formula with a surfactant blend at HLB 11.2 at a 4% use level will most likely give longer stability at elevated temperatures than 5% of a blend at either HLB 10.2 or 13.2